In an inaugural prayer service sermon, the Episcopal bishop of Washington appealed directly to Donald Trump to “have mercy upon” communities across the country targeted by the new administration’s immigration and LGBTQ+ policies.

She also addressed Trump directly while he sat with his wife and the newly appointed vice president, wearing a red tie in the pew next to them.

WASHINGTON (AP) — At the inaugural prayer service, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers.

The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back transgender rights and toughening immigration policies. When he returned to the White House, Trump was asked about the sermon.

During a prayer service at Washington's National Cathedral, Mariann Edgar Budde urged President Trump to show compassion toward LGBTQ individuals and immigrants.

The Episcopal bishop of Washington, Right Rev. Mariann Budde, has openly criticised some of President Donald Trump’s policies. DAILY reports that Trump returned to the White House on Monday, January 20,

Episcopal bishop Right Rev. Mariann Budde preached a message of unity and urged President Donald Trump to show “mercy” during a Jan. 21, interfaith prayer service.

Trump was in Washington, D.C., for a national prayer service on Tuesday when Bishop Mariann Budde, who was born in New Jersey, pleaded with him during the service to have “mercy” on undocumented immigrants and other marginal groups,

A Republican lawmaker has called for the bishop who told Donald Trump to "have mercy" on scared children to be deported.